Student awarded scholarship to attend National Conference for College Women Student Leaders

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Naperville-Area branch has awarded a $750 scholarship to North Central College student Allyson Martens to participate in the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL) May 28-30 at the University of Maryland near Washington, D.C.

Martens is a junior pursuing a degree in marketing with minors in leadership and theatre. Originally from Milan, Ill., she graduated from Rockridge High School and received that school’s Top Scholar English Department Scholarship and The Ida B. Shaw Scholarship. She also was awarded a North Central College Presidential Scholarship and the Blackhawk Valley Principal’s Award.

She is event co-chair of North Central College’s Relay for Life, a member of Blue Key Honor Society and Distinguished Leaders and an active member of the theatre department. She recently appeared in North Central’s production of “SHOUT! The Mod Musical.”

Martens works for the College’s Office of Admission and interned for the Self-Employment in the Arts Conference. After graduation she hopes to pursue a career in marketing and event planning.

AAUW Naperville-Area branch provides the registration fee, which includes meals, accommodations and airfare to and from Washington, D.C. Keynote speakers at the conference include three-time Olympic gold medalist and Title IX expert Nancy Hogshead-Makar and actress/comedian Maysoon-Zayid. The conference will feature a panel of Women of Distinction Award recipients and workshops focused on life skills of advocacy, leadership, health and wellness, communication and networking. The annual conference is copresented by AAUW and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA).

The AAUW Naperville-Area branch sponsorship of the scholarship is funded by its annual Used Book Sale, which will be held June 10-13 at Celebration! Community Life Center, 919 S. Washington St., Naperville.